Many Manchester United fans are panicking after their side’s poor performances against rivals Liverpool and more recently, Manchester City.
In the match against City, the Red Devils did not have last season’s top scorer leading the line, for the first time this season, due to a thigh injury.
Much emphasis has been placed on Robin van Persie’s absence, however, if David Moyes sends out his best available line-up, then the team from the red half of Manchester can still compete for the title.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: David De Gea – Since arriving, the Spaniard has progressed in leaps and bounds and is in the process of becoming one of the top goalkeepers in the league. He is way ahead of Anders Lindegaard in terms of technique and hence, deserves his spot as the goalkeeper.
Right back: Rafael – Brilliant in attack and a perfect launch pad for counter attacks. Add to that his new found defending prowess, that he picked up throughout last season, and you have a top notch full back at your hand.
Centre back: Nemanja Vidic – Though he seemed out of touch against City, the Serbian is one of the best defenders in the world. Dominant in the air and on the ground, he has mastered the art of tackling. When Manchester United are in form, then, generally, Vidic is also in form.
Centre back: Johnny Evans – The man who was single-handedly responsible for United’s 6-1 derby loss two years ago. Last season, however, he matured leaps and bounds as a player with an apparent Wes Brown-type approach to defending.
Left back: Patrice Evra – He copes with a lot of, sometimes justified, criticism for poor work in defence but for majority of the season, he is a hard working full back, who offers ample support to his wingers.
Central midfielder: Michael Carrick – The man who should be starting every single match for England. He is the English equivalent of Xavi as far as his ability to control a game’s tempo is concerned. He needs to shoot more often, though.
Central midfielder: Marouane Fellaini – The fuzzy haired Belgian can be a dominant figure in midfield and is able to add some extra creativity into United’s play. He also has the knack for scoring crucial goals.
Right wing: Nani – This Portuguese is the closest thing United have to Cristiano Ronaldo. He has the pace, skills and a keen eye for goal. He recently signed a new contract, so, it is about time to unleash him.
Central attacking midfielder: Shinji Kagawa – Instrumental for Borussia Dortmund a couple of seasons back and is completely capable of having the same affect on United. He is naturally gifted and possesses a sly footballing brain. Given a chance, he can spark various goal fests for United.
Left wing: Wilfried Zaha – He is Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signing, and in a transfer market where you have to shed out £30 million for Ashley Young, the former Palace winger seems like a bargain. All he needs is a little more game time to blossom.
Striker: Wayne Rooney – This Englishman is a match winner, who possesses a valuable skill-set and has a solid work ethic. He has also performed through criticism, which makes him all the more important for Manchester United.
David Moyes is the right man for the job and Manchester United can win the silverware, however, Moyes will have to leave behind his cautious approach in order to do so. Oh, and, Ashley Young should not be seen in or around the team.
AZ_RBB
Guest
exactly right. I used to absolutely loathe him. used to wonder how he ever made the first team. but nowadays he is a very dependable defender. I quite like the backline of Rafael, smalling, evans and buttner.
Pablo
Guest
United fans used shudder with dread when seeing Evans on the team sheet, now the vast majority are more than happy to see his name and will put him in ahead of Rio or Vidic (both who are getting on in years). Evans has demonstrated a mental strength to turn things around and it helps he can play a bit - he is certainly far from useless. Future United captain :-)
Seb Vettel
Guest
I stopped reading at Johnny Evans.... that guy is useless.
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
I think the club was always going to have a slight wobble when Ferguson left, it would have been almost impossible not to, the bloke's identity was (and is) stamped all over the place. I think Moyes will prove a good manager but as I've said in other discussions I think he needs to change his mindset. It's almost as if he still thinks he's in charge of Everton and is approaching the games in that way. It was interesting for me that they beat Leverkeusen so stylishly. There's a team Moyes had never faced with Everton and possibly therefore he didn't have any preconception going into the match. It's also interesting that Kagawa has been included above (possibly he'd be the player to drop out for RVP) but he's barely been getting near Moyes' matchday squads and has only started in the League Cup last night. That's case in point for me where Moyes is being too cautious. He looks a super player to me yet he's almost too bold and adventurous a selection for Moyes right now. I don't think there's a stand out team for me this year (City look the best to me so far) so I can't see ManU being too far away. The reality is they'll be far too good for most teams and they and Moyes will improve. I'm a Chelsea fan though so I'm hoping they'll get relegated!
Cameron
Roar Guru
I thought it wasn't the usual you. Makes sense now though.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I probably should've bookended the comment with [not serious] haha sorry.
Punter
Guest
Kellet, I think AZ had tongue in cheek when he made that comment!!!!
Cameron
Roar Guru
AZ, I've always enjoyed our conversations but this comment you've made does not seem to be your usual offerings. I don't know how long you've been a football supporter let alone a Manchester United supporter but in my opinion you've got it all wrong. "... a club in crisis with plenty of dark times ahead." How in the world do you come to this conclusion? How is Bayern Leverkusen an unknown team? Because its not the EPL? Or because you don't know much about the team? "...reliant on A-League rejects." How is Kruse an A-League reject? This doesn't make any sense whatsoever! Your final sentence proves you know very little about Man united...
AZ_RBB
Guest
Good team but still a club in crisis with plenty of dark times ahead. only impressive performance has been against a no name team from the lowly German league reliant on A League rejects. Don't understand how you can back Moyes when he has only 1 trophy in his reign at old Trafford. didn't sir Alex win like 40 or something??